Follow these simple steps to create the most delectable Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers that will impress everyone!

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and emulsified. This fragrant garlic butter mixture is the flavor base for our shrimp skewers and will infuse them with incredible taste. Ensure the butter is melted but not too hot to avoid cooking the garlic before it marinates the shrimp.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the garlic butter marinade. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 1 hour. Marinating for longer than an hour is not recommended as the lemon juice can start to break down the shrimp and make them mushy. The marinating time allows the shrimp to absorb the delicious garlic butter flavors, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

While the shrimp is marinating, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the wooden skewers from burning or catching fire on the grill. Soaking them ensures they stay moist and intact throughout the grilling process. If using metal skewers, no soaking is required.

Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp Skewers

Remove the marinated shrimp from the refrigerator. Thread the shrimp onto the prepared skewers. Aim to place about 4-5 shrimp on each skewer, depending on their size. Leave a little space between each shrimp to ensure even cooking. You can arrange the shrimp in a slightly curved or “C” shape on the skewers, which helps them cook more evenly and look visually appealing.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the shrimp from sticking. Place the shrimp skewers directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque and is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the heat of your grill. You’ll know they are done when they are no longer translucent and have a nice pink color with slightly charred edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the shrimp skewers are cooked through, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. You can drizzle any remaining garlic butter marinade from the bowl over the cooked skewers for extra flavor and moisture. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. These Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are best enjoyed hot off the grill while they are juicy and flavorful. Serve them as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a delicious main course alongside your favorite sides.